Altering computer game tiles having multiple matchable ends

ABSTRACT

A method of distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising causing a client device to display on its screen a plurality of selectable objects of a computer game, each selectable object initially has a plurality of separable ends each marked with a respective pattern, causing the client device to display one or more prize patterns each associated with one or more prizes and indicative plurality of prize pieces, computing a distribution of the prize pieces over at least some of the selectable objects, altering the display of the at least some selectable objects by associating them with respective prize pieces according to the distribution, and altering the prize pattern(s), responsive to correct matches of separable end(s) of the associated selectable objects, by populating the respective prize piece in the prize pattern(s).

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a C.I.P. (Continuation-In-Part) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/852,577 filed on Jun. 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to altering a display of a computer game and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to altering a display of a computer game to remove matching separable ends of selectable objects in response to user input indicating of correct matches.

Computer games may be highly attractive as they may offer players multiple rewards such as, for example, fun, and challenge, to name just a few.

Computer gaming has therefore long become a major field of interest for a constantly growing number of users who may spend a significant portion of their time playing such computer games. This trend is constantly expanding in scale and scope due to the rapid and ever growing accessibility of users to client devices, for example, computers, Smartphones, tablets and/or the like which may be used for playing the computer games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of altering display of selectable objects having multiple matchable ends in a computer game, comprising using one or more processors for:

-   -   Displaying a plurality of selectable objects of a computer game         displayed by a client device. Each of the plurality of         selectable objects initially has a plurality of separable ends.         Each of the plurality of separable ends of each of the plurality         of selectable objects is marked with one of a plurality of         patterns.     -   Receiving user input comprising a match indication of one or         more matches between separable ends of at least two of the         plurality of selectable objects marked with a common pattern of         the plurality of patterns.     -   Altering the display of one or more of the at least two         selectable objects by breaking away and removing the matched         separable end of the one or more selectable objects in case the         one or more matches indicated by the match indication are         correct.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for altering display of selectable objects having multiple matchable ends in a computer game, comprising a memory for storing program code, and one or more processors coupled to the memory, the one or more processors are configured to execute the program code. The program code comprising:

-   -   Code instructions to display a plurality of selectable objects         of a computer game displayed by a client device. Each of the         plurality of selectable objects initially has a plurality of         separable ends. Each of the plurality of separable ends of each         of the plurality of selectable objects is marked with one of a         plurality of patterns.     -   Code instructions to receive user input comprising a match         indication of one or more matches between separable ends of at         least two of the plurality of selectable objects marked with a         common pattern of the plurality of patterns.     -   Code instructions to alter the display of one or more of the at         least two selectable objects by breaking away and removing the         matched separable end of the one or more selectable objects in         case the one or more matches indicated by the match indication         are correct.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of limiting match options for selectable objects having multiple matchable ends in a computer game, comprising using one or more processors for:

-   -   Displaying a plurality of selectable objects of a computer game         displayed by a client device. Each of the plurality of         selectable objects initially has a plurality of separable ends.         Each of the plurality of separable ends of each of the plurality         of selectable objects is marked with one of a plurality of         patterns.     -   Altering the display of one or more of the plurality of         selectable objects by associating a lock mark with one or more         separable ends of one or more of the plurality of selectable         objects. The lock mark indicating that the associated one or         more separable ends are prohibited for matching with one or more         separable ends of at least another one of the plurality of         selectable objects.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for limiting match options for selectable objects having multiple matchable ends in a computer game, comprising a memory for storing program code, and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to execute the program code. The program code comprising:

-   -   Code instructions to display a plurality of selectable objects         of a computer game displayed by a client device, each of the         plurality of selectable objects initially has a plurality of         separable ends, each of the plurality of separable ends of each         of the plurality of selectable objects is marked with one of a         plurality of patterns.     -   Code instructions to alter the display of one or more of the         plurality of selectable objects by associating a lock mark with         one or more separable ends of one or more of the plurality of         selectable objects. The lock mark indicating that the associated         one or more separable ends are prohibited for matching with one         or more separable ends of at least another one of the plurality         of selectable objects.

In a further implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, the plurality of selectable objects are tiles having two separable ends each marked with a receptive on of the plurality of patterns.

In a further implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, the plurality of selectable objects are arranged in a plurality of stacks. Each of the plurality of stacks initially comprises at least two selectable objects stacked such that each separable end of a higher layer of the respective stack conceals a corresponding separable end of each lower layer selectable object of the respective stack. Wherein after one or more separable ends of the top selectable object is broken away, a respective separable end of the lower layer selectable object is revealed and made available for matching.

In a further implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, following a successful match of a final separable end of a bottom most selectable object of one or more of the plurality of stacks such that the one or more stacks are empty, the display is altered to remove the empty stack.

In an optional implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, each of the plurality of stacks is fixed on a respective tray. Wherein the display is altered to remove the tray of each stack that is empty following a successful match of a final separable end of a bottom most selectable object of the respective stack.

In an optional implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, the display is altered to present one or more new stacks of selectable objects which appears following the removal of the empty stack.

In an optional implementation form of the first, second, third and/or fourth aspects, the one or more new stacks appear in the display to form a new level in the computer game.

In a further implementation form of the third and/or fourth aspects, the lock mark is configured to conceal the pattern marked on the one or more separable ends of the one or more selectable objects.

In a further implementation form of the third and/or fourth aspects, the lock mark is configured such that the pattern marked on the one or more separable ends of the one or more selectable objects are visible.

In an optional implementation form of the third and/or fourth aspects, the display is periodically altered to select one or more separable ends of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects and associate the at least selected separable end with a lock mark.

In a further implementation form of the third and/or fourth aspects, the display is periodically altered to switch between separable ends of the one or more selectable objects and associate at least another one separable end of the one or more selectable objects with the lock mark.

In a further implementation form of the third and/or fourth aspects, the display is altered to switch between the separable ends of the one or more selectable objects after every user move.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising using one or more processors for:

-   -   Causing a client device used by a user to play a computer game         to display on its screen a plurality of selectable objects of         the computer game. Each of the plurality of selectable objects         initially has a plurality of separable ends. Each of the         plurality of separable ends of each of the plurality of         selectable objects is marked with one of a plurality of         patterns.     -   Causing the client device to display one or more prize patterns         each associated with one or more prizes. Each prize pattern is         indicative plurality of prize pieces.     -   Computing a distribution of the plurality of prize pieces over         at least some of the plurality of selectable objects.     -   Causing the client device to alter the display of each of the at         least some of the plurality of selectable objects on the screen         by associating a respective one of the plurality of prize pieces         with each of the at least some selectable objects according to         the computed distribution.     -   Causing the client device to alter the one or more prize         patterns, responsive to each correct match between one or more         separable ends of one or more of the at least some selectable         objects and one or more separable ends of one or more other         selectable objects, by populating the respective prize piece         associated with the one or more of the at least some selectable         objects in one or more of the prize patterns.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising a memory for storing program code, and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are adapted to execute the program code. The program code comprising:

-   -   Code instructions to cause a client device used by a user to         play a computer game to display on its screen a plurality of         selectable objects of the computer game. Each of the plurality         of selectable objects initially has a plurality of separable         ends. Each of the plurality of separable ends of each of the         plurality of selectable objects is marked with one of a         plurality of patterns.     -   Code instructions to cause the client device to display one or         more prize patterns associated with one or more prizes, each of         the one or more prize patterns is indicative plurality of prize         pieces.     -   Code instructions to compute a distribution of the plurality of         prize pieces over at least some of the plurality of selectable         objects.     -   Code instructions to cause the client device to alter the         display of each of the at least some of the plurality of         selectable objects on the screen by associating a respective one         of the plurality of prize pieces with each of the at least some         selectable objects according to the computed distribution.     -   Code instructions to cause the client device to alter the one or         more prize patterns, responsive to each correct match between         one or more separable ends of one or more of the at least some         selectable objects and one or more separable ends of one or more         other selectable objects, by populating the respective prize         piece associated with the one or more of the at least some         selectable objects in the one or more prize patterns.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in one or more of the prize patterns, one or more prizes are allocated to the user.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, the distribution is computed according to one or more game attributes of the computer game and/or one or more user attributes of the user.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, a number of the plurality of prize pieces is selected according to one or more game attributes of the computer game and/or one or more user attributes of the user.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, each prize piece associated with a respective one of the at least some selectable objects is at least partially visible to the user.

In an optional implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, each of the plurality of prize pieces is marked with a respective one of a plurality of partial images of the one or more prizes such that populated in their corresponding positions in the one or more prize pattern, the plurality of partial images form an image of the one or more prizes.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, the respective partial image marked on one or more of the plurality of prize pieces is at least partially visible to the user.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, one or more of the prize patterns are puzzles formed by joining the plurality of prize pieces each populated in a corresponding position in the puzzle.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, the one or more prizes are selected from a group consisting of: one or more extra selectable object, one or more wildcard selectable object, a key to enter a next level, and/or a game token.

In a further implementation form of the fifth and/or sixth aspects, one or more of the prize patterns conceal at least part of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects which is revealed responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in the respective prize pattern.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks automatically. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of methods and/or systems as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars are shown by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to remove matching separable ends of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary client device configured for altering a display of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic illustrations of exemplary selectable objects of a computer game having multiple separable ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered according to an exemplary match between separable ends of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrations of stacked selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered according to an exemplary match between separable ends of stacked selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to remove empty stacks of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to reveal new stacks of selectable objects following removal of empty stacks, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to limit match options of selectable objects having separable ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary display of a computer game showing exemplary lock marks in association with separable ends of selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to periodically move exemplary lock marks between separable ends of selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to distribute prize pieces over selectable objects of a computer game and populating released prize pieces in a prize pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exemplary screenshot of an exemplary computer game which is altered to display an exemplary prize pattern indicative of a plurality of prize pieces distributed over a plurality of selectable objects of the computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are exemplary screenshots of an exemplary computer game which are altered to populate a released prize piece in a prize pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to altering a display of a computer game and, more specifically, but not exclusively, to altering a display of a computer game to remove matching separable ends of selectable objects in response to user input indicating of correct matches.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are provided methods, systems and computer program products for altering a display of a computer game, in particular a matching computer game.

A plurality of selectable objects, items and/or assets (collectively designated objects) of the computer game, for example, a tile (e.g., domino tile), a card, and/or the like may each have a plurality of separable ends which may be detached and removed from the respective selectable object. Each of the separable ends may be marked with one of a plurality of patterns.

Users playing (players) the matching game using client devices (e.g. computers, tablets, Smartphones, etc.) are challenged to match between separable ends having similar and/or identical patterns. When the player indicates a correct match between similar patterns marked on the separable ends of two or more selectable objects, the display of the computer game may be altered to separate the matched separable ends, break them away from their (parent) selectable objects and remove them.

Moreover, the selectable objects of the computer game may be stacked in a plurality of stacks each comprising multiple selectable objects stacked one on top the other such that only the patterns marked on the separable ends of a top most selectable object in each stack may be visible while the top most selectable object conceals the patterns marked on the separable ends of lower layer selectable objects of the stack such that these patterns are invisible to the player.

As such, the player may match between visible patterns which are marked on the separable ends of the top most selectable objects in the stacks. However, when the display is altered to remove correctly matched separable ends which are obviously those of the top most selectable objects, the next lower layer selectable objects become the top most selectable objects and the pattern marked on their separable ends be revealed and visible to the player who may now select the newly revealed separate ends for matching.

Altering the display of the computer game to remove correctly matched separable ends may present significant benefits and advantages.

Even computer games which are initially highly attractive to players as they offer substantial fun and/or challenge, the appeal of a computer game may gradually diminish as players become familiar with its features, elements, details and/or the like which may eventually lead to loss of interest of the players in the computer game.

Therefore, altering the display of the computer game to remove correctly matched separable ends may significantly improve the technology of computer games by providing a dynamic game scene which may add challenge to the computer game thus increasing interest, attraction, and/or enthusiasm of the player in the computer game which may also increase player retention.

Furthermore, altering the display of the computer game to remove the correctly matched separable ends may further improve the technology of computer games since the display may be altered to remove the matched separable ends in a very graceful and appealing manner which may significantly improve user experience of the player.

Arranging the selectable objects in stacks such that removal of correctly matched separable ends of the top most selectable objects in each stack reveals the patterns marked on the next lower layer selectable objects of the stack may make the computer game even more dynamic and challenging which in turn may further increase interest, attraction, and/or enthusiasm of the player in the computer game.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the display of the computer game may be altered to lock one or more of the separable ends of one or more of the selectable objects thus prohibiting the locked separable ends for matching and limiting the matching options for the player.

To this end, the display may be altered to associate one or more selected separable ends of one or more selected selectable objects of the computer game with a lock mark which prevents the user from selecting these separable ends for matching with separable ends of other selectable objects marked with similar and/or identical patterns.

Moreover, the display may be periodically altered, for example, every time period, every number of moves (turns) of the player and/or the like, to reselect separable ends of the same and/or other selectable objects that are associated with lock marks and thus prohibited for matching.

The lock marks associated with the locked separable ends may be transparent such that the pattern of the locked separable ends may be visible to the player. However, the lock marks may be configured to conceal the pattern of the locked separable ends such that they are not visible to the player.

Altering the display of the computer game to lock one or more of the separable ends and thus prevent the user from matching them may significantly improve the technology of computer games by providing a dynamic lock feature which may significantly increase the challenge offered by the computer game thus increasing interest, attraction, and/or enthusiasm of the player in the computer game which may also increase player retention.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the display of the computer game may be altered to present a prize pattern, for example, a puzzle, and/or the like which may be associated and indicative of one or more prizes, for example, an extra selectable objet, a game token, a coin, a skill, a key to a next level, and/or the like.

The prize pattern may be indicative of a plurality of prize pieces which when populated in the prize pattern may jointly complete the pattern.

The plurality of prize pieces may be initially distributed over at least some of the selectable objects according to a distribution computed according to one or more parameters, attributes, and/or conditions, for example, user attributes, game attributes, and/or the like, such that each of the at least some of the selectable objects is associated with a respective prize piece.

In response to correct match made by the user between one or more of the separable ends of one of the selectable objects associated with a respective prize piece, the respective prize piece may be released and populated in the prize pattern. After all prize pieces are released, due to correct matching of their associated selectable objects, and populated in the prize pattern thus completing it, the prize(s) associated with the prize pattern may be allocated (awarded) to the user.

Altering the display of the computer game to present one or more prize patterns and corresponding prize pieces which may be collected by the user to complete the pattern and win the associated prize(s) may significantly improve technology of computer games in terms of user experience by providing additional appeal, incentive and/or motivation for players (users) to engage with the computer game thus further increasing interest, attraction, and/or enthusiasm of the player (user) with the computer game which may also increase player retention.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer program code comprising computer readable program instructions embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire line, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

The computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

The computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, such as, for example, assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to remove matching separable ends of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary process 100 may be executed to alter a display of a computer game displayed by a client device which displays, to a user associated with the client device, a plurality of selectable objects (items), for example, a tile (e.g., domino tile), a card, and/or the like each having a plurality of separable ends which may be detached and removed from the respective selectable object.

Each of the separable ends of each of the selectable objects may be marked with one of a plurality of patterns such that the user may interact with the client device to indicate matches between separable ends of different selectable objects having similar patterns.

In response to user input indicating one or more such matches, the display may be altered to remove the matched separable ends in case the match is correct. In particular, the display may be altered to break away the matched separable ends from their respective selectable objects.

Reference is also made to FIG. 2 , which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary client device configured for altering a display of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

One or more exemplary client devices 200, for example, a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a Smartphone, a tablet, a proprietary client device and/or the like may be used by one or more associated users 202 to play one or more computer games.

Each client device 200 may comprise a user interface 210 for interacting with the associated user 202, a processor(s) 212, and a storage 214 for storing data and/or code (program store).

The user interface 210 may include one or more Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) for interacting with the user 202, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, etc.), a screen, a touchscreen, a digital pen, a speaker, an earphone, a microphone and/or the like. The user may therefore operate one or more of the HMI interface of the user interface 210 to interact with the client device 200, for example, play one or more of the computer games.

The processor(s) 212, homogenous or heterogeneous, may include one or more processing nodes and/or cores arranged for parallel processing, as clusters and/or as one or more multi core processor(s). The storage 214 may include one or more non-transitory persistent storage devices, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Flash array, a Solid State Drive (SSD), a hard drive (HDD) and/or the like. The storage 214 may also include one or more volatile devices, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM) component, a cache and/or the like.

The processor(s) 212 may execute one or more software modules such as, for example, a process, a script, an application, an agent, a utility, a tool and/or the like each comprising a plurality of program instructions stored in a non-transitory medium (program store) such as the storage 232 and executed by one or more processors such as the processor(s) 230. Optionally, the processor(s) 230 may include one or more hardware elements integrated in the client device 200 to support one or more of the software modules executed by the client device 200, for example, a circuit, a component, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signals Processor (DSP), a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) and/or the like.

The processor(s) 212 may execute one or more software modules, for example, a process, a script, an application, an agent, a utility, a tool, an Operating System (OS), a service, a plug-in, an add-on and/or the like each comprising a plurality of program instructions stored in a non-transitory medium (program store) such as the storage 214 and executed by one or more processors such as the processor(s) 212.

Optionally, the processor(s) 212 includes, utilizes and/or applies one or more hardware elements available in the client device 200, for example, a circuit, a component, an Integrated Circuit (IC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signals Processor (DSP), a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), and/or the like.

The processor(s) 212 may therefore execute one or more functional modules utilized by one or more software modules, one or more of the hardware elements and/or a combination thereof. For example, the processor(s) 212 may execute a game engine 220 configured to execute the process 100 and/or part thereof for altering a display of a computer game to remove separable ends of selectable objects in response to correct match indications received from the user 202.

Optionally, one or more of the client devices 200 may further include a network interface 216 comprising one or more network adapters for connecting to a network 204 comprising one or more wired and/or wireless networks, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN, e.g. Wi-Fi), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a cellular network, the internet and/or the like.

Via the network interface 202, the client device 200 may connect to the network 204 and communicate with one or more remote network resources, such as, for example, one or more game servers, computing nodes, clusters of computing nodes, platforms, systems, services, and/or the like collectively designated game server 206 that is configured to provide gaming services to one or more of the client devices 202.

Optionally, the game server 206 may be utilized by one or more cloud computing services, platforms and/or infrastructures such as, for example, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and/or the like provided by one or more vendors, for example, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), IBM Cloud, and/or the like.

The game engine 220 executed by each of the client devices 200 may be therefore configured to execute the process 100 and/or part thereof depending on the deployment, architecture and/or implementations of the games played by the users 202 using their client devices 200, specifically in terms of execution of the game at the client device 200 and/or at the remote game server 206.

For example, the game engine 220 locally executed by the client device 200 may execute one or more stand-alone games such that the game logic, engine, and/or the like as well as the graphical and/or user interfaces are all controlled by the local game engine 220. The local game engine 220 may optionally communicate with one or more remote network resources, for example, the game server 206 to receive, retrieve, collect and/or otherwise obtain supplemental data relating to the game(s) which may be used to enrich the game but is not essential to the execution of the game.

In another example, the client device 200 may communicate with the game server 206 which may execute the core, logic, engine, and/or the like of one or more games, for example, a web game, and/or the like. While the game engine itself may be executed remotely by the game server 206, the game server 206 may instruct the client device 200 to control its graphical and/or user interfaces accordingly. In such implementations, the game engine 220 executed locally by the client device 200, for example, a web browser, a mobile application, and/or the like may serve only as a local agent adapted to support interaction with the user 202 playing the game(s) (e.g., display, play sound, receive input, etc.) while the game itself is remotely executed by the game server 206.

In another example, execution of one or more games may be distributed between the client device 200 and the remote game server 206 such that each may execute part of the of the game(s). The graphical and/or user interfaces of the client device 200 however, may be naturally controlled by the local game engine 220.

For brevity, regardless of the exact deployment, architecture and/or implementation of the games, the game engine 220 is described herein after to control the entire game including its engine, logic, plot as well as the graphical and/or user interfaces. This however, should not be construed as limiting since as may become apparent to a person skilled in the art, the previously described deployment embodiments as well as other deployments may be applied to serve the game to the users 202.

Moreover, while the process 100 is described for a single game played by a single user 202 using a respective client device, it should not be construed as limiting since the same process may be expanded and scaled for a plurality of user 202 using a plurality of client devices 200 to play a plurality of games.

As shown at 102, the process 100 starts with the game engine 220 presenting a game to a user 202 via the user interface 210 of the client device 200. In particular, the game engine 220 may display objects, items and/or assets of the game by instructing, operating, altering and/or otherwise controlling one or more screens of the client device 200.

Moreover, the user 202 may play the game by interacting with the game engine 220 via one or more input interfaces supported by the user interface 210 of the client device 200. For example, the user 202 may operate a pointing device, a keyboard and/or the like of the client device 200 to select, for example, click, point, choose, adjust, write, and/or the like one or more of the game's objects, items and/or assets which are thus collectively designated selectable objects.

The game may be a matching game, for example, a domino game, a memory game, and/or the like in which each of the plurality of selectable objects has a plurality of ends, for example, 2 ends, 3 ends, 4, ends, and/or the like each marked with one of a plurality of patterns where the user 202 has to match between object ends marked with similar and/or identical patterns.

In particular, each of the plurality of selectable objects may initially have a plurality of separable ends, i.e., sections, segments and/or parts of the object which may be separated, broken away and removed from the object.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary selectable objects of a computer game having multiple separable ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 3A, a plurality of exemplary selectable objects 300 of a game may comprise a plurality of separable ends 302 each marked with one of a plurality of patterns. The number of separable ends 302 and the number, type and/or style of the patterns marked on the separable ends 302 may be defined, selected and/or set according to one or more goals, objectives, parameters, levels and/or the like of the game. The patterns may be marked on the selectable objects using one or more methods, techniques and/or technologies, for example, painted, printed, imprinted, engraved, embossed, debossed and/or the like.

Moreover, the patterns may also include blank spaces, i.e., no marking on one or more of the separable ends 302 of one or more of the selectable objects 300.

Optionally, the patterns may include one or more wild card patterns which may be matched with a plurality of other patterns, and possibly all other patterns. For example, blank separable ends 302 may be used as wild cards meaning they may be matched with a plurality of other patterns and optionally with any of the patterns. In another example, the separable ends 302 of one or more selectable objects 300 may be marked with another wild card pattern, for example, a joker which may serve as wild card and matched a plurality of other patterns, optionally with any other pattern.

For example, an exemplary selectable object 300A may be configured as a tile, for example, a domino tile having two separable ends each marked with one of a plurality of patterns, for example, 6 patterns illustrating one dot, two dots, three dots, four dots, five dots, and six dots. For example, a first separable end 302A1 of the selectable object 300A may be marked with a three dots pattern and a second separable end 302A2 of the selectable object 300A may be marked with a five dots pattern.

In another example, an exemplary selectable object 300B may be configured as a cross having four separable ends each marked with one of a plurality of patterns, for example, geometric shapes. For example, a first separable end 302B1 of the selectable object 300B may be marked with a hexagon shape, a second separable end 302B2 of the selectable object 300B may be marked with a circle shape, a third separable end 302B3 of the selectable object 300B may be marked with a triangle shape, and a fourth separable end 302B4 of the selectable object 300B may be marked with a square shape.

In another example, an exemplary selectable object 300C may be configured to have three separable ends each marked with one of a plurality of patterns, for example, numbers. For example, a first separable end 302C1 of the selectable object 300C may be marked with the number 3, a second separable end 302C2 of the selectable object 300C may be marked with the number 11, and a third separable end 302C3 of the selectable object 300C may be marked with the number 8.

In another example, an exemplary selectable object 300D may be configured to have six separable ends each marked with one of a plurality of patterns, for example, combinations of one or more geometric shapes. For example, a first separable end 302D1 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with two circles, a second separable end 302D2 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with four peripheral squares and a circle in the middle, a third separable end 302D3 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with the two triangles and an ellipse, a fourth separable end 302D4 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with a pentagon, a fifth separable end 302D5 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with three hexagons, and a sixth separable end 302D6 of the selectable object 300D may be marked with a circle and a triangle.

As seen in FIG. 3B, a display of the game, specifically a display (image) of the selectable objects 300 may be altered such that each of the separable ends 302 of each of the exemplary selectable objects 300 may be separated, i.e., broken away and removed from its selectable object 300. For example, the separable end 302A2 may be separated from the selectable object 300A. In another example, the separable end 302B1 may be separated from the selectable object 300B. In another example, the separable end 302C2 may be separated from the selectable object 300C. In another example, the separable end 302D6 may be separated from the selectable object 300D.

Moreover, the display (image) of the selectable objects 300 may be altered to display a separation line, a break line, and/or the like marking the separation of one or more of the separated and removed separable ends 302. For example, as seen in FIG. 3B for selectable objects 300A, 300B and 300D, a zigzag line, a crooked line, a jagged line, and/or the like may be marked to indicate that separable ends 302 were separated and removed from the selectable objects 300.

Reference is made once again to FIG. 1 .

As shown at 104, the game engine 220 may receive user input, from the user operating the user interface 210, comprising a match indication of one or more matches between separable ends 302 of two or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 marked with similar and/or identical patterns.

Specifically, the match indication received from the user 202 may indicate of one or more matches made by the user 202 playing the game between the separable ends 302 of the two or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 which the user 202 determines, estimates, guesses, thinks and/or believes are marked with common patterns of the plurality of patterns employed in the game.

As shown at 106, the game engine 220 may analyze the match indication extracted from the user input to check whether the match indicated by the user 202 is correct or not.

Specifically, the game engine 220 may identify a state of the plurality of selectable objects 300 of the computer game displayed by the client device 200 and may analyze the patterns marked on the separable ends 302 of the selectable objects 300 indicated by the user 202 as matching to determine whether the patterns marked on the indicated separable ends 302 are indeed similar and/or identical or not.

As shown at 108, which is a conditional step, in case the game engine 220 determines that the match indication made by the user 202 is correct, the process 100 may branch to 110. In case the game engine 220 determines that the match indication made by the user 202 is incorrect, the process 100 may end or optionally return to step 104 to receive additional user input from the user 202.

As shown at 110, since the match indication made by the user 202 is correct, the game engine may alter the display of the game, specifically the display of the selectable objects 300 indicated by the user 202 to have matching separable ends 302 by separating, breaking away and removing the matched separable ends 302.

Following the display alteration, the game engine 220 may optionally branch back to step 104 to receive additional user input from the user 202.

Reference is no made to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered according to an exemplary match between separable ends of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 4A, a game engine such as the game engine 220 may display a plurality of selectable objects such as the selectable objects 300 of a game, for example, a domino like game played by a user such as the user 202 as described in step 102 of the process 100. The displayed selectable objects 300, for example, domino tiles may each have multiple separable ends such as the separable ends 302, for example, two separable ends 302 each marked with one of a plurality of patterns, for example, domino dot patterns.

For example, the game engine 220 may display a first selectable object 300A1 and a second selectable object 300A2. The first selectable object 300A1 may have two separable ends, a first separable end 302A11 marked with a three dots patterns and a second separable end 302A12 marked with a five dots pattern. The second selectable object 300A1 may also have two separable ends, a first separable end 302A21 marked with a four dots patterns and a second separable end 302A22 marked with a three dots pattern.

Assuming the game engine 220 receives user input from the user 202, as described in step 104 of the process 100, which comprises a match indication of a match between the separable end 302A11 of the selectable object 300A1 and the separable end 302A22 of the selectable object 300A2.

In such case, the game engine 220 may analyze the match indication and determine that the match is correct, as described in steps 106 and 108 of the process 100, since both separable end 302A11 and separable end 302A22 are marked with the same pattern, namely the three dots pattern.

As seen in FIG. 4B, since the match is correct, the game engine 220 may alter the display (image) of the selectable objects 300A1 and 300A2 to separate and break away the matched separable ends 302A11 and 302A22. The game engine 220 may further alter the display game, specifically the display of the selectable objects 300A1 and 300A2 to remove the matched separable ends 302A11 and 302A22 as seen in FIG. 4C such that the selectable object 300A1 remains with only separable end 302A12 and the selectable object 300A2 remains with only separable end 302A21.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of selectable objects 300 are arranged in a plurality of stacks such that each of the stacks may initially comprise multiple selectable objects 300, specifically two or more selectable objects 300 which are stacked (layered) one on top the other.

As they are stacked (layered) on each other a top most selectable object 300 in a stack may conceal the selectable object(s) 300 of lower layer(s) of the stack. In particular, each separable end 302 of a higher layer of the stack may conceal a corresponding separable end 302 of all lower layer(s) of the stack.

Corresponding separable ends 302 refers to separable ends 302 of two or more different selectable objects 300 which are stacked one on top the other such that the position, location, and/or orientation of the corresponding separable ends 302 with respect to their (parent) selectable objects 300 is the same.

Moreover, during the game after the game engine 220 alters the display of a top most selectable object 300 in a stack to remove a matched separable end 302, the corresponding separable end 302 of selectable object 300 in the next lower layer is revealed such that the pattern marked on the corresponding lower layer separable end 302 becomes visible to the user 202.

Revealing patterns marked on separable ends 302 of lower layers' selectable objects 300 may enable additional match options for the user 302 to advance in the game.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 , which is a schematic illustrations of stacked selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

A game engine such as the game engine 220 may display a plurality of selectable objects such as the selectable objects 300 arranged in a plurality of stacks 500 each initially comprising multiple selectable objects 300, for example, three selectable objects 300 stacked one on top the other.

For example, a stack 500A may comprise a top layer selectable object 300A1, a middle layer selectable object 300A2 and a bottom layer selectable object 300A3, a stack 500B may comprise a top layer selectable object 300B1, a middle layer selectable object 300B2 and a bottom layer selectable object 300B3, a stack 500C may comprise a top layer selectable object 300C1, a middle layer selectable object 300C2 and a bottom layer selectable object 300C3, and a stack 500D may comprise a top layer selectable object 300D1, a middle layer selectable object 300D2 and a bottom layer selectable object 300D3.

Since the selectable objects 300 are stacked (layered) one on top the other, only the patterns marked on separable ends such as the separable ends 302 of the selectable object 300 at the top most layer may be visible while the patterns marked on the separable ends 302 of selectable objects 300 at lower layers of the stack(s) may be invisible. For example, only the patterns marked on separable ends 302 of the top most selectable objects 300 of each of the stacks 500A, 500B, 500C and 500D may be visible.

Reference is also made to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered according to an exemplary match between separable ends of stacked selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in FIG. 6A, the top layer selectable object 300A1 of the stack 500A may have two separable ends 302, a first separable end 302A11 marked with a three dots pattern and a second separable end 302A12 marked with a five dots pattern. The top layer selectable object 300C1 of the stack 500C may also have two separable ends 302, a first separable end 302C11 marked with a four dots pattern and a second separable end 302C12 marked with a three dots pattern.

Assuming that during the game, the game engine 220 receives user input indicating of a match between the separable end 302A11 and the separable end 302C12 both marked with the three dots pattern. In such case, after determining that the match indication is correct and the patterns of the separable ends 302A11 and 302C12 are identical, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the selectable object 300A1 and the selectable object 300C1, as seen in FIG. 6B, to break away the matched separable ends 302A11 and 302C12.

As seen in FIG. 6C, after the game engine 220 alters the display of the selectable object 300A1 and the selectable object 300C1 to remove the matched separable ends 302A11 and 302C12, the patterns marked on the separable ends 302 of the next lower layer of the stacks 500A and 500C are revealed. For example, a six dots pattern marked on a separable end 302A21 of the selectable object 300A2 which is the next lower layer of the stack 500A is reveled. In another example, a one dot pattern marked on a separable end 302C22 of the selectable object 300C2 which is the next lower layer of the stack 500C is reveled.

When a stack 500 becomes empty, i.e., all separable ends 302 of all its selectable object 300 are matched and removed, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game and the selectable objects 300 to remove the empty stack. This means that following a successful match of a final (last) separable end 302 of a bottom most selectable object 300 of one or more of the stacks 500, the game engine 220 may alter the display to remove the matched last separable end 302 and thus remove the empty stack from the display.

It should be noted, that in case of two ended tiles such as, for example, the selectable objects 300A, when the game engine alters the display to remove the final separable end 302 of a bottom most selectable object 300 of a stack 500, the stack 500 may be in practice be also removed from the display. However, there may be cased, for example, for games using selectable objects such as, for example, selectable objects 300B, 300C and/or 300D, at least part of the bottom most selectable object 300 may still remain after altering the display to remove the final separable end 302 of a bottom most selectable object 300 of a stack 500. In such case, the game engine 220 may further alter the display to remove the remaining part(s) of the bottom most selectable object 300 of an empty stack 500.

Optionally, the game engine 220 may display each of the plurality of stacks 500 in association with a respective tray, for example, each stack 500 may be fixed on a respective tray. As such, following a match of a final (last) separable end 302 of a bottom most selectable object 300 of one or more of the stacks 500, such that the respective stack 500 is now empty, the game engine 220 may alter the display to display an empty tray and may further alter the display to remove the empty tray.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to remove empty stacks of selectable objects, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a display of an exemplary initial state of a plurality of selectable objects such as the selectable objects 300 of a matching game displayed by a client device such as the client device 200. Each of the selectable objects 300 has a plurality of separable ends such as the separable ends 302 marked with patterns which may be matched to patterns marked on other separable ends 302 of other selectable objects 300. As seen, the selectable objects 300 are stacked in a plurality of stacks such as the stacks 500, for example, stacks 500A, 500B, 500C and 500D such that only the patterns marked on the selectable objects 300 at the top most layer of each stack 500 may be visible and available for matching (matchable).

FIG. 7B illustrates a display an exemplary a later state of the selectable objects 300 at a later stage in the game after a plurality of successful matches were verified by a game engine such as the game engine 220. Following each successful match, the game engine 220 may alter the display to remove the matched separable ends 302. As seen, while only a single successful match was made for the stack 500D, the separable ends 302 of all selectable objects 300 of the stack 500B were separated, broken away and removed meaning that the stack 500B is empty. The game engine 220 may therefore alter the display to remove the empty stack 500B.

As seen in FIG. 7C, each of the stacks 500 may be associated with a respective tray 700, for example, fixed, overlaid, contained, and/or the like. For example, the stack 500A may be fixed on a tray 700A, the stack 500B may be fixed on a tray 700B, the stack 500C may be fixed on a tray 700C, and the stack 500D may be fixed on a tray 700D. As seen in FIG. 7D, after the game engine 220 alters the display to remove the final separable end 302 of the bottom most selectable object 300 of the stack 500B the stack 500B is empty such that there are no selectable objects 300 in the tray 700B. In such case, the game engine 220 may further alter the display to remove the empty tray 700B.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the game to present one or more new stacks 500 of selectable objects 300. Specifically, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the game such that the new stack(s) 500 appear following the removal of one or more empty stacks 500.

The game engine 220 may alter the display to display one or more new stacks 500 in the same location in which one or more empty stacks 500 were located before the display was altered to remove them. However, the game engine 220 may alter the display to display one or more new stacks 500 in one or more new locations.

Moreover, the game engine 220 may alter the display to add one or more new stacks 500 such that the new stack(s) 500 appear to form a new level in the computer game. For example, the game engine 220 may alter the display to shift the (images) stacks 500 displayed by the client device to one or more directions, for example, left-right, up-down, and/or a combination thereof, and add one or more new stacks 500 in areas of the display (screen) which are now clear (empty) thus delivering and/or inducing a sense and feeling of movement and advancement through levels of the computer game.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, which are schematic illustrations of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to reveal new stacks of selectable objects following removal of empty stacks, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates a display of an exemplary first (earlier) state of a plurality of selectable objects such as the selectable objects 300 of a matching game displayed by a client device such as the client device 200. The selectable objects 300 may be arranged in a plurality of stacks such as the stacks 500, for example, stacks 500A, 500B, 500C, 500D, 500E and 500F each comprising multiple selectable objects 300, for example, three. Each of the selectable objects 300 has two separable ends such as the separable ends 302 marked with matchable patterns.

FIG. 8B illustrates a display of an exemplary second (later) state of the plurality of selectable objects 300 displayed by the client device 200 after multiple successful matches were made between separable ends 302 of some of the selectable objects 300 and a game engine such as the game engine 220 may alter the display to remove the matched separable ends 302.

As described herein before, the game engine 220 may further alter the display to remove empty stacks 500 in which all the selectable objects 300 were correctly matched and their separable ends 302 were removed. The game engine 220 may also alter the display to show one or more new stacks 500. For example, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game to show one or more new stacks 500 after removing one or more empty stacks 500.

Moreover, the game engine 220 may alter the display such that the new stack(s) 500 may appear to form new levels in the computer game. For example, as seen in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, between the earlier state and the later state the left most stack 500A becomes empty, and the game engine 220 may therefore alter the display to remove it. As seen in FIG. 8B, the game engine 220 may further alter the display to shift the remaining stacks 500B, 500C, 500D, 500E and 500F to the left and add (introduce) a new stack 500G in the right most location of the screen thus inducing a sense of movement and/or advancement to the right to unveil and/or enter a new level of the computer game.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game, specifically the display (image) of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 to lock one or more of their separable ends 302 thus prohibiting the locked separable ends 302 for matching and limiting the match options for the user 202 playing the matching game.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 , which is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to limit match options of selectable objects having separable ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary process 900 may be executed by a game engine such as the game engine 220 to alter a display of a computer game, in particular a matching game, displayed by a client device such as the client device 200 to a user such as the user 202 using the client device 200 to play the game, to limit matching options for the user 202.

The matching game may challenge the user 202 to match between patterns marked on separable ends such as the separable ends 302 of a plurality of selectable objects (items) of the computer game, for example, a domino tile, a card, and/or the like each having a plurality of separable ends 302 which may be detached and removed from their (parent) respective selectable objects 300.

As shown at 902, the process 900 starts with the game engine 220 presenting a game to a user 202 via a user interface such as the user interface 210 of the client device 200. In particular, the game engine 220 may display objects, items and/or assets of the game by instructing, operating, altering and/or otherwise controlling one or more screens of the client device 200.

Moreover, the user 202 may play the game by interacting with the game engine 220 via one or more input interfaces supported by the user interface 210 of the client device 200. For example, the user 202 may operate a pointing device, a keyboard and/or the like of the client device 200 to select, for example, click, point, choose, adjust, write, and/or the like one or more of the game's objects, items and/or assets which are thus collectively designated selectable objects.

The game may be a matching game, for example, a domino game, a memory game, and/or the like in which each of the plurality of selectable objects has a plurality of ends, for example, 2 ends, 3 ends, 4, ends, and/or the like each marked with one of a plurality of patterns where the user 202 has to match between object ends marked with similar and/or identical patterns.

As shown at 904, the game engine 220 may select one or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 displayed by the client device 200.

The game engine 220 may apply one or more methods for selecting the selectable objects 300. For example, the game engine 220 may select one or more of the selectable objects 300 arbitrarily and/or randomly, for example, using one or more random number generators which may be operated to generate one or more random numbers that may be mapped to identifiers of one or more of the selectable objects 300. In another example, the game engine 220 may select one or more of the selectable objects 300 according to one or more predefined selection patterns and/or methodologies, for example, a predefined location, a predefined order, and/or the like.

As shown at 906, the game engine 220 may select one or more of the separable ends 302 of the selected selectable object(s) 300.

As described in step 904, the game engine 220 may apply one or more methods for selecting the separable end(s) 302, for example, arbitrary selection, random selection, using predefined selection patterns and/or the like.

As shown at 908, the game engine 220 may alter the display of the selected selectable object(s) 300 by associating a lock mark with the selected separable end(s) 302 of the selected selectable object(s) 300.

The lock mark may indicate to the user 202 that the associated separable end(s) 302 is prohibited for matching with the separable end(s) 302 of one or more of the other selectable objects 300 displayed to the user 202 on the screen of the client device 200.

The game engine 220 may apply one or more techniques, and/or visualization modes for configuring, shaping, and/or illustrating the lock marks. For example, the game engine 220 may alter the display to add one or more lock marks covering the selected separable end(s) 302. In another example, the game engine 220 may alter the display to add one or more lock marks attached to one or more of the selected separable end(s) 302.

Moreover, the game engine 220 may alter the display such that the lock mark(s) associated with one or more of the selected separable end(s) 302 does not conceal the pattern marked on the respective separable end 302 of the respective selectable object 300 thus making the pattern visible to the user 202. However, the game engine 220 may optionally alter the display such that the lock mark(s) associated with the selected separable end(s) 302 300 conceals the pattern marked on the respective separable end 302 of the respective selectable object 300 thus making the pattern invisible to the user 202.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10 , which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary display of a computer game showing exemplary lock marks in association with separable ends of selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in 1002, an exemplary selectable object 300A such as the selectable objects 300 of a computer game, for example, a domino tile of a domino based matching game displayed by a client device such as the client device 200 to a user such as the user 202 using the client device 200 to play the matching game. As described herein before, the selectable object 300A may have a plurality of separable ends such as the separable ends 302, for example, two separable ends 302A1 and 302A2 marked with three dots and five dots patterns respectively.

A game engine such as the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game, specifically the display of the selectable object 300A to associate a lock mark with one or more of its separable ends 302A1 and 302A2 thus prohibiting the user 202 from matching the locked separable ends 302A1 and/or 302A2.

As seen in 1004, an exemplary lock mark 1000A may be displayed in association with the separable end 302A2 in solid mode such that the pattern marked on the separable end 302A2 is invisible. As seen in 1006, an exemplary lock mark 1000B may be displayed in association with the separable end 302A2 in at least partially transparent mode such that the pattern marked on the separable end 302A2 is visible through the lock mark 1000B. As seen in 1006, an exemplary lock mark 1000C may be displayed in association with the separable end 302A2 such that it does not cover the pattern marked on the separable end 302A2 and the pattern is visible.

Reference is made once again to FIG. 9 .

As shown at 910, the process 900 may branch back to repeat steps 904-908 such that the game engine 220 may repeat selection of one or more of the selectable objects 300 of the computer game and their separable ends 302 and alter the display of the selected selectable object(s) 300 accordingly by associating a lock mark with the selected separable end(s) 302.

The game engine 220 may apply one or more modes, methods and/or techniques for repeating selection of one or more separable ends 302 of one or more selectable objects 300 which are associated with lock marks and thus prohibited for matching.

For example, the game engine 220 may periodically select one or more separable ends 302 of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 and alter the display accordingly to associate the selected separable end(s) 302 with a lock mark. For example, the game engine 220 may select one or more separable ends 302 of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 and alter the display accordingly every predefined and/or randomly selected time period, for example, every minute, every two minutes, every five minutes, and/or the like. In another example, the game engine 220 may select one or more separable ends 302 of one or more of the plurality of selectable objects 300 and alter the display accordingly every predefined and/or randomly selected number of moves (turns) of the user 202 playing the computer game, for example, every move, every two moves, every five moves, and/or the like.

The game engine 220 may apply one or more selection rules, methods and/or modes for reselecting selectable object(s) 300 and their separable end(s) 302 to associate them with lock mark(s) thus prohibiting them for matching by the user 202 and alter the display accordingly.

For example, the game engine 220 may select one or more separable ends 302 which are not currently locked, i.e., associated with a lock mark. In another example, the game engine 220 may select one or more separable ends 302 among all of the selectable objects 300 regardless of which is currently locked or not. In another example, the game engine 220 may select one or more separable ends 302 of one or more selectable objects 300 which have other separable end(s) 302 that are currently locked. In other words, the game engine 220 may switch between separable ends 302 of the same selectable object(s) 300 and associate another one or more separable ends 302 of the same selectable object(s) 300 with the lock mark.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11 , which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary display of a computer game altered to periodically move exemplary lock marks between separable ends of selectable objects of a computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

As seen in 1102, an exemplary selectable object 300A such as the selectable objects 300 of a computer game, for example, a domino tile of a domino based matching game displayed by a client device such as the client device 200 to a user such as the user 202 using the client device 200 to play the matching game. As described herein before, the selectable object 300A may have a plurality of separable ends such as the separable ends 302, for example, two separable ends 302A1 and 302A2 marked with three dots and five dots patterns respectively.

As seen 1104, a game engine such as the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game, specifically the display of the selectable object 300A to associate a lock mark with one or more of its separable ends 302, for example, the second separable end 302A2 thus prohibiting the user 202 from matching the locked separable end 302A2.

As seen 1106, the game engine 220 may periodically alter the display of the selectable object 300A, for example, after every move made by the user 202 to associate a lock mark with another one of its separable ends 302, for example, the first separable end 302A1 thus prohibiting the user 202 from matching the locked separable end 302A1.

As seen 1108, when periodically altering the display of the selectable object 300A, the game engine 220 may further alter the display of the selectable object 300A to associate lock marks with both the separable ends 302A1 and 302A2 of the selectable object 300A.

According to some embodiments of the present invention the game engine 220 may alter the display of the computer game to present one or more prize patterns each associated with one or more prizes which may be allocated (rewarded) to the user 202 playing the computer game.

Alteration of objects of the compute game as used herein refers to alteration of the image of the computer game objects displayed by the client device 200, for example, on a screen (display), projection, and/or the like.

Each prize pattern may be indicative of a plurality of prize pieces which jointly construct the prize pattern such that when all the prize pieces are populated they form a complete prize pattern.

The prize pieces may be distributed over one or more of the selectable objects which are presented to the user for matching their separable ends as described herein before. When the separable end of a certain selectable object which is associated with one of the prize pieces is successfully matched by the user 202 with a separable end of another selectable object (marked with a similar pattern), the respective prize piece is released and may be populated in its respective prize pattern.

After a prize pattern is populated with all its prize pieces such that the prize pattern is complete, the user 202 may be awarded one or more prizes associated with the complete prize pattern.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12 , which is a flowchart of an exemplary process of altering a display of a computer game to distribute prize pieces over selectable objects of a computer game and populating released prize pieces in a prize pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary process 1200 may be executed by a game engine such as the game engine 220 to alter a display of a computer game, in particular a matching game, displayed by a client device such as the client device 200 to a user such as the user 202 using the client device 200 to play the game.

In particular, the game engine 220 may execute the process 1200 to associate selectable objects with prize pieces which when released may populate a prize pattern associated with one or more game prizes the user 202 may gain (earn) such that when the prize pattern is complete the prize(s) may be allocated (rewarded) to the user 202.

The prize(s) which may be associated with each prize pattern may include, for example, one or more extra selectable objects 300 which may expand the options of the user 202 to identify potential matches. In another example, the prize(s) may include one or more extra wildcard selectable objects 300 which may further expand the match options for the user 202. In another example, the prize(s) may include one or more keys for entering one or more higher and/or next levels of the computer game. In another example, the prize(s) may include one or more game tokens of the computer game, for example, a coin, a feature, a gadget, a skill, and/or the like which may be used by the user 202 to advance in the computer game or even trade the tokens for real-world assets.

As described herein before, the matching game may challenge the user 202 to match between patterns marked on separable ends such as the separable ends 302 of a plurality of selectable objects (items) such as the selectable objects 300 of the computer game, for example, a domino tile, a card, and/or the like each having a plurality of separable ends 302 which may be detached and removed from their (parent) respective selectable objects 300.

As shown at 1202, the process 1200 starts with the game engine 220 presenting a computer game to a user 202 via a user interface such as the user interface 210 of the client device 200. In particular, the game engine 220 may display objects, items and/or assets of the game by instructing, operating, altering and/or otherwise controlling one or more screens of the client device 200.

The user 202 may play the game by interacting with the game engine 220 via one or more input interfaces supported by the user interface 210 of the client device 200. For example, the user 202 may operate a pointing device, a touch screen, a keyboard and/or the like of the client device 200 to select, for example, click, point, choose, adjust, write, and/or the like one or more of the game's objects, items and/or assets, for example, the selectable objects 300.

As shown at 1204, the game engine 220 may cause the client device 200 to alter the display (screen) of the computer game to display (present) one or more prize patterns each associated with one or more prizes.

In particular, each prize pattern may be indicative of a plurality of prize pieces which jointly compose the prize pattern, specifically visually indicative of the plurality of prize pieces. For example, the prize pattern may outline contour lines of the plurality of prize pieces. In another example, the prize pattern may indicate a number of prize pieces which joint together may compose the complete prize pattern.

Moreover, while the plurality of prize pieces may be identical such that each prize piece may be counted or populated in any position (location, place, etc.) of the prize pattern, the prize pattern may optionally form a puzzle where each of the plurality of prize pieces is a puzzle piece which matches a respective corresponding position (location) outlined accordingly in the puzzle prize pattern.

Optionally, one or more of the plurality of prize pieces of a respective prize pattern, for example, a puzzle, may be marked with a respective one of a plurality of partial images of one or more of the prizes associated with the respective prize pattern. As such, when populated in their corresponding positions in the prize pattern, for example, in the puzzle, the plurality of partial images form a complete image, for example, an image of the prize(s) associated with the respective prize pattern.

The game engine 220 may define, select and/or set complexity of one or more prize patterns, for example, a number of the plurality of prize pieces, a contour line complexity, and/or the like according to at least one or more parameters, attributes, and/or rules.

For example, the game engine 220 may set the complexity of the prize pattern according to one or more game attributes of the computer game, for example, a current level of the game, and/or the like. For example, in a low level of the game, the game engine 220 may create a simple prize pattern, for example, a puzzle pattern outlining two prize pieces while in a higher more advance level of the game, the game engine 220 may create a more complex prize pattern, for example, a puzzle pattern outlining six or eight prize pieces.

In another example, the game engine 220 may set the complexity of the prize pattern according to one or more user attributes of the user 202, for example, a proficiency, a skill, an experience of the user 202 in the computer game, and/or the like. For example, the game engine 220 may create a simple prize pattern, for example, a puzzle pattern outlining two prize pieces for a novice user 202 while creating a significantly more complex prize pattern, for example, a puzzle pattern outlining six or eight prize pieces for an advanced and/or professional user 202.

As shown at 1206, the game engine 220 may compute a distribution for distributing the plurality of prize pieces over at least some of the plurality of selectable objects 300.

The game engine 220 may apply one or more methods, and/or techniques for computing the distribution of the prize pieces over the selectable objects 300, i.e., for associating each of the plurality of prize pieces with a respective one of at least some of the selectable objects 300 presented and hence available to the user 202 for matching.

For example, the game engine 220 may distribute the plurality of prize pieces according to a random distribution such that selectable objects 300 available to the user 202 for matching may be selected randomly and associated each with the a respective prize piece. To compute the random distribution, the game engine 220 may use one or more random and/or pseudorandom components (e.g., random number generator, etc.), mechanisms (e.g., pseudorandom software agent and/or application, etc.), services (e.g., online service, etc.) and/or the like available at the client device 200.

In another example, the game engine 220 may compute the distribution according to one or more game attributes of the computer game, for example, a current level of the game, a number of selectable objects 300 available to the user 202 for matching, a layout of the selectable objects 300 in the current game level, and/or the like. For example, in a low level of the computer game, the game engine 220 may distribute the prize pieces over selectable objects 300 which may be easily accessible to the user 202, i.e., accessed in a low number of game plays such that the user 202 may obtain the prize pieces in a significantly early stage when playing the current game level. In contrast, in a higher level of the game, the game engine 220 may distribute the prize pieces over selectable objects 300 which may be less accessible to the user 202. The user 202 may therefore obtain the prize pieces in a significantly later and/or advanced stage of the current game level. In another example, assuming there is a limited (low) number of selectable objects 300 presented and available to the user 202 for matching. In such case, the game engine 220 may assign a common (equal) weight to each selectable object 300 such that all selectable objects 300 have the same selection probability and distribute the prize pieces over the selectable objects 300 according to the common weights. In another example, assuming there is a large number of selectable objects 300 presented and available to the user 202 for matching. In such case, the game engine 220 may assign a different weights to the selectable objects 300, for example, higher weights to easily accessible selectable objects and lower weights to less accessible selectable objects 300. The game engine 220 may then compute distribution of the prize pieces over the selectable objects 300 according to the selected weights assignment.

In another example, the game engine 220 may compute the distribution according to one or more user attributes of the user 202, for example, skill, experience, gained assets (prizes, tokens, etc.), time of engagement with the computer game, and/or the like. For example, the game engine 220 may distribute the prize pieces over selectable objects 300 which may be easily accessible to the user 202 for a novice user 202 such that the user 202 may obtain the prize pieces in a significantly early stage when playing the current game level. However, for a skilled user 202, the game engine 220 may distribute the prize pieces over selectable objects 300 which may be less accessible to the user 202 such that the user 202 may need to be more proficient in order to obtain the prize pieces.

As shown at 1208, the game engine 220 may cause the client device to alter the display (image) of at least each of the at least some selectable objects 300 which are associated with the prize pieces according to the computed distribution, i.e., the selectable objects 300 over which the prize pieces where selected to be distributed.

In particular, the game engine 220 may cause alteration of the display (image) of the selectable objects 300 associated with prize pieces to further display an image of the prize pieces such that each prize piece may be at least partially visible to the user 202. As such, one or more visual attributes of each prize piece, for example, an outline (contour), shape, textures, and/or the like may be visible. Moreover, in case one or more prize pieces are marked with respective partial images, the game engine 220 may cause alteration of the display to display each prize piece such that at least part of the partial image marked on the respective prize piece is visible to the user 202.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13 , which an exemplary screenshot of an exemplary computer game which is altered to display an exemplary prize pattern indicative of a plurality of prize pieces distributed over a plurality of selectable objects of the computer game, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary screenshot 1300 of a computer game controlled by a game engine such as the game engine 220 executed by a client device such as the client device 200 may present (display) a plurality of exemplary selectable objects 300E such as the selectable objects 300 (e.g., tiles) to a user 202 for matching between separable ends such as the separable ends of two or more selectable objects 300E marked with similar patterns.

The game engine 220 may further cause the client device 200 to alter the display (screen) of the computer game, as described in step 1204, to display (present) one or more prize patterns, for example, a prize pattern 1302 associated with one or more prizes. The presented prize pattern 1302 may outline contour lines of a plurality of prize pieces, for example, four prize pieces.

As seen, the plurality of prize pieces may be identical such that each of the prize pieces may be positioned (placed) populated in any of the positions (locations, slots) of the exemplary prize pattern. However, as described herein before, in some embodiments, each of the prize pieces may have a unique shape, contour, and/or the like such that each prize piece may be populated only in a designated specifically matching position (location) in the prize pattern.

The game engine 220 may cause the client device 200 to alter the display (screen) of the computer game, as described in step 1204 of the process 1200, to display (present) a plurality of prize pieces 1304 each associated with a respective one of at least some of the selectable objects 300E selected according to a distribution computed as described in step 1206 of the process 1200. For example, a first prize piece 1304(1) may be associated with selectable objects 300E1, a second prize piece 1304(2) may be associated with selectable objects 300E2, a third prize piece 1304(3) may be associated with selectable objects 300E3, and a fourth prize piece 1304(4) may be associated with selectable objects 300E4.

As seen in screenshot 1300, each of the four prize piece 1304(1), 1304(2), 1304(3), and 1304(4) is at least partially visible to the user 202 such that one or more visual attributes of the respective prize piece 1304, for example, contour, shape, texture, partial image, and/or the like are at least partly visible to the user 202.

Reference is made once again to FIG. 12 .

As shown at 1210, the game engine 220 may cause the client device 200 to alter the (image of) one or more of the prize pattern(s), responsive to each correct match between one or more separable ends 302 of one or more of the at least some selectable objects 300 each associated with a respective prize piece and one or more separable ends of one or more other selectable objects 300. Specifically, as described herein before, the match is made and evaluated accordingly (correct or incorrect) between the patterns marked on the separable ends 302 of different selectable objects 300.

In particular, responsive to a match between the separable end(s) 302 of one of the at least some selectable objects 300, the prize piece associated with this selectable object 300 may be released.

For each match resulting in release of a respective one of the prize pieces, the game engine 220 may cause the client device 200 to alter the (image of the) prize pattern(s) relating to the released prize piece by populating the respective prize piece 302 associated with the matched selectable object 300, i.e., the released prize piece in the prize pattern.

As shown at 1212, responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in a respective prize pattern, the prize associated with the respective prize pattern may be allocated (awarded) to the user 202.

This means that after the user 202 matches all the selectable objects 300 associated with prize pieces of a certain prize pattern and thus releases all prize pieces, the prize pattern may be fully populated and the prize may be allocated to the user 202 as reward.

The game engine 220 may optionally cause the client device 200 to alter the computer game display to reflect the prize(s) allocated to the user 202 for releasing all prize pieces and populating the entire prize pattern.

Optionally, one or more of the prize patterns may conceal at least part of one or more of the selectable objects 300. In such case, responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in a respective prize pattern, the respective prize pattern may be removed and one or more at least partially concealed selectable objects 300 may be revealed (become visible) to the user 202.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are exemplary screenshots of an exemplary computer game which are altered to populate a released prize piece in a prize pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary screenshot 1400 (FIG. 14A) of a computer game controlled by a game engine such as the game engine 220 executed by a client device such as the client device 200 may present (display) a plurality of exemplary selectable objects 300E such as the selectable objects 300 (e.g., tiles) to a user 202 for matching between separable ends such as the separable ends of two or more selectable objects 300E marked with similar patterns.

The game engine 220 may further cause the client device 200 to alter the display (screen) of the computer game to display (present) one or more prize patterns, for example, a prize pattern 1302A associated with one or more prizes which may outline contour lines of a plurality of prize pieces, for example, four prize pieces.

As seen, a first prize piece 1304(1) may be associated with a selectable object 300E1 having a first separable end 302E11 marked with a certain pattern, for example, one dot. A pile of selectable object 1410 comprising a plurality of selectable objects 300E of the user 202 may include a selectable objects 300E2 having a first separable end 302E21 marked also with a one dot pattern.

As seen in exemplary screenshot 1402 (FIG. 14B), the user 202 may indicate a match between the first separable end 302E11 of the selectable object 300E1 and the first separable end 302E21 of the selectable object 300E2 included in the pile 1410. In response, since these two separable ends 302 are marked with the same pattern, namely one dot, the game engine 220 may determine that the match is correct.

In response to the correct match, the first prize piece 1304(1) may be released and populated in the prize pattern 1302A as seen in exemplary screenshot 1404 (FIG. 14C).

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant systems, methods and computer programs will be developed and the scope of the terms matching game, and game engine architecture are intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or method.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, an instance or an illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals there between.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising: using at least one processor for: causing a client device used by a user to play a computer game to display on its screen a plurality of selectable objects of the computer game, each of the plurality of selectable objects initially has a plurality of separable ends, each of the plurality of separable ends of each of the plurality of selectable objects is marked with one of a plurality of patterns; causing the client device to display at least one prize pattern associated with at least one prize, the at least one prize pattern is indicative plurality of prize pieces; computing a distribution of the plurality of prize pieces over at least some of the plurality of selectable objects; causing the client device to alter the display of each of the at least some of the plurality of selectable objects on the screen by associating a respective one of the plurality of prize pieces with each of the at least some selectable objects according to the computed distribution; and causing the client device to alter the at least one prize pattern, responsive to each correct match between at least one separable end of at least one of the at least some selectable objects and at least one separable end of at least one another selectable object, by populating the respective prize piece associated with the at least one of the at least some selectable objects in the at least one prize pattern.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in the at least one prize pattern, the at least one prize is allocated to the user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the distribution is computed according to at least one game attribute of the computer game and/or at least one user attribute of the user.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a number of the plurality of prize pieces is selected according to at least one game attribute of the computer game and/or at least one user attribute of the user.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein each prize piece associated with a respective one of the at least some selectable objects is at least partially visible to the user.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising each of the plurality of prize pieces is marked with a respective one of a plurality of partial images of the at least one prize such that populated in their corresponding positions in the at least one prize pattern, the plurality of partial images form an image of the at least one prize.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the respective partial image marked on at least one of the plurality of prize pieces is at least partially visible to the user.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one prize pattern is a puzzle formed by joining the plurality of prize pieces each populated in a corresponding position in the puzzle.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one prize is selected from a group consisting of: at least one extra selectable object, at least one wildcard selectable object, a key to enter a next level, and a game token.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one prize pattern conceals at least part of at least one of the plurality of selectable objects which is revealed responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in the at least one prize pattern.
 11. A system for distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising: a memory for storing program code; and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor is adapted to execute the program code, the program code comprising: code instructions to cause a client device used by a user to play a computer game to display on its screen a plurality of selectable objects of the computer game, each of the plurality of selectable objects initially has a plurality of separable ends, each of the plurality of separable ends of each of the plurality of selectable objects is marked with one of a plurality of patterns, code instructions to cause the client device to display at least one prize pattern associated with at least one prize, the at least one prize pattern is indicative plurality of prize pieces, code instructions to compute a distribution of the plurality of prize pieces over at least some of the plurality of selectable objects, code instructions to cause the client device to alter the display of each of the at least some of the plurality of selectable objects on the screen by associating a respective one of the plurality of prize pieces with each of the at least some selectable objects according to the computed distribution, and code instructions to cause the client device to alter the at least one prize pattern, responsive to each correct match between at least one separable end of at least one of the at least some selectable objects and at least one separable end of at least one another selectable object, by populating the respective prize piece associated with the at least one of the at least some selectable objects in the at least one prize pattern.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in the at least one prize pattern, the at least one prize is allocated to the user.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the distribution is computed according to at least one game attribute of the computer game and/or at least one user attribute of the user.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein a number of the plurality of prize pieces is selected according to at least one game attribute of the computer game and/or at least one user attribute of the user.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein each prize piece associated with a respective one of the at least some selectable objects is at least partially visible to the user.
 16. The system of claim 11, further comprising each of the plurality of prize pieces is marked with a respective one of a plurality of partial images of the at least one prize such that populated in their corresponding positions in the at least one prize pattern, the plurality of partial images form an image of the at least one prize.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the respective partial image marked on at least one of the plurality of prize pieces is at least partially visible to the user.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one prize pattern is a puzzle formed by joining the plurality of prize pieces each populated in a corresponding position in the puzzle.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one prize is selected from a group consisting of: at least one extra selectable object, at least one wildcard selectable object, a key to enter a next level, and a game token.
 20. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one prize pattern conceals at least part of at least one of the plurality of selectable objects which is revealed responsive to populating all of the prize pieces in the at least one prize pattern. 